Was at Phayathai on a weekday evening in March of this year with some girlfriends. Reservations aren't necessary early in the week but should be made Thur., Frid. and weekends.
We were seated in a little alcove. It was comfortable and private. The service was impeccable, friendly and discrete.
We started with a plate of mixed appetizers. All 5 selections were delicious (dumplings, egg rolls, sweet dried beef, green mango salad and a fifth one I forget). It's meant for 2 people but 3 of us ate from it and it was more than enough.
I had crab claws in a spicy sauce that was fantastic. The crab was sweet and plentiful and the sauce had the perfect balance of spices. My friends all had satay chicken which they all enjoyed very much. One of them stating is was one of the best satay sauce she had tasted. The dishes were accompanied by a choice of sticky or steamed rice that came in a separate dish.
When it was time for dessert, the waiter noticed a gift on our table and inquired whether it was someone's birthday. As it was, the birthday girl was offered a free dessert. The dessert list consisted of sorbets and fried bananas. Desserts are good but not exceptional.
Presentations were beautiful throughout the entire meal.
Prices are very reasonable (it came out to approx. $20 per person) for that part of town and portions are a decent size.
All in all we had an excellent experience at PhayaThai on Laurier and I would definitely recommend it.